Tony Meloto, Founder of Gawad Kalinga

Summary

Tony shares his inspiring journey from poverty in Negros Occidental, Philippines, to becoming a leader in empowering the poor through education and opportunity. Raised with simplicity and honesty, he emphasizes the importance of dignity over charity and highlights the need to provide the poor with access to capital, land, and markets. He challenges the notion that Filipinos should be limited to labor work, advocating for entrepreneurship. Tony's vision is to reshape the image of the Philippines globally, showing that it is a land of opportunity and excellence.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Tony emphasizes the importance of education and global exposure as tools for success and overcoming challenges.
• 🌍 Tony's upbringing in Negros Occidental shaped his views on poverty, having experienced life in the lower-middle class.
• 🇺🇸 He received scholarships to study in the United States, which transformed his life and gave him confidence.
• 🏡 Tony advocates for giving dignity to the poor, not just charity, focusing on decent housing and quality education.
• 💼 He believes in empowering the poor to become business owners, not just laborers or factory workers.
• 👨‍👩‍👦 Tony credits his parents for teaching him simplicity and honesty, qualities he upholds in his personal and professional life.
• 💪 Overcoming insecurities from poverty, Tony realized that poverty does not make anyone inferior.
• 📈 His work with Gawad Kalinga is aimed at providing justice and dignity to the poor, through access to capital, land, markets, and technology.
• 🇵🇭 He highlights the importance of Filipinos loving their country and sharing its positive stories with the world.
• ✨ Tony encourages people to visit the Enchanted Farm, a symbol of Filipino innovation and a source of national pride.

Q & A

What is Tony’s philosophy about helping the poor?

Tony believes in giving dignity to the poor by providing education, training, and opportunities instead of charity. He emphasizes the importance of self-sufficiency and treating the poor as future business owners, not just laborers or factory workers.

How did Tony's childhood experiences influence his career?

Tony grew up in a lower-middle-class family in Negros Occidental, experiencing poverty and inequality firsthand. His determination to rise above these challenges led him to pursue education and opportunities abroad, shaping his desire to help others overcome similar struggles.

What role did education play in Tony's success?

Education was a key factor in Tony’s success. He received a scholarship to study in the U.S., where he finished high school and later attended university. This educational exposure helped him develop confidence and allowed him to move beyond poverty.

What did Tony learn from his parents?

Tony learned simplicity and honesty from his parents, values that he initially doubted would help him succeed. However, he later realized these were foundational qualities in building his family, career, and humanitarian work.

What is Tony’s approach to addressing poverty in the Philippines?

Tony’s approach focuses on providing justice, access to resources like land, capital, and technology, and creating opportunities for business ownership among the poor. He believes in equipping people with the skills they need to thrive rather than simply offering aid.

What challenges has Tony faced in his mission to create change?

One of the major challenges Tony has encountered is changing the mindset of people who have been oppressed and exploited for a long time. He aims to help them see their potential and give them the tools to become successful.

How does Tony define dignity for the poor?

Tony defines dignity as more than just giving the poor basic necessities. He believes dignity comes from justice, quality education, and providing opportunities for the poor to own businesses and gain financial independence.

What advice does Tony give to Filipinos about improving their country?

Tony advises Filipinos to love their country every day and take pride in being Filipino. He believes the Philippines is full of opportunities and has much to offer the world, and that Filipinos should tell the world the positive stories of their country.

What is Tony’s view on the global perception of the Philippines?

Tony acknowledges that the Philippines is often taken out of context in global news and can be seen in a negative light. However, he encourages people to share the beautiful stories of the Philippines and showcase the country as a land of opportunities in Asia.

What is the significance of the Enchanted Farm in Tony's work?

The Enchanted Farm represents a model for sustainable development and social enterprise in the Philippines. Tony believes it showcases the 'magic of being Filipino' and is a place where people can discover the potential and beauty of the country’s culture and opportunities.